1932: An Aviation “First” Takes Place in the Skies above Ohio

May 9, 1932

Albert Francis Hegenberger (1895-1983), an aviation pioneer and U.S. Army Air Corps captain, became the world’s first person to make a “blind” instrument-only flight from takeoff to landing without any co-pilot on board with him. This flight took place in the skies above Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. 

Hegenberger had developed that blind instrument landing system and, thanks to his successful testing of it, the system was eventually adopted for both military and civilian use. The system specifically became standard equipment for large airplanes and at all airports. Hegenberger’s trailblazing flight on that Monday in 1932 was a key reason for his ultimately being awarded both the Collier Trophy and his second Distinguished Flying Cross. 

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on Albert Francis Hegenberger, please check out https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/albert-francis-hegenberger/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Francis_Hegenberger